Morning journal and courier., 1887-10-12
TO AID THE OLD SOLDIERS.

A Committee From Henry O. MerVtn Post, G. A. R., Appears Before the SeIectmen and Petitions That the Soldiers Get Some of the Town Work.
 A committee from Henry 0. Merwin post, G. A. R., appeared before the board of se- lectmen at their meeting last evening and petitioned the town fathers to aid some of the old soldiers who were out of work by giving them, when an opportunity presented itself, employment on the town farm or else where.
 Captain William Gleason, one of the com- mittee, stated to the board that there were three or four members of the post who needed work and the committee called on the board to see if something could not be got for them to do. There were also some old soldiers who sometimes visited the city in search of work. Captain Gleason stated that the com mittee expected to call on the board of public works also. He made strong appeal TOT the old soldiers.
 Town Agent Reynolds explained for the benefit of the committee that the town work, or the bulk of it at least, had to be divided among large number of applicants The majority of them could only get three days every two or three weeks. A44SAASS4 VI 1AAS committee, strongly seconded Captain Glea- sons remarks.
 He was of the opinion that the old soldiers were being discriminated against in one sense because men have been employed who have had only & short residence here and can't speak the English language. Selectman Beecher said he knew that at least two old soldiers were being employed almost constantly by the town. He thought no discrimination was made. Town Agent Reynolds said if there was any record of case where an old soldier was discriminated against it should be brought out.
 The gentlemen of the committee said that they did not want to make any charges, but merely came before the board to see if the needy soldiers might not be aided to work in the future.
 Comrade O'Donnell also said that no spe- ci6c charge was made of discrimination against the board, but he knew of a case in the city department.
 The gentlemen of the committee withdrew and MT. Reynolds remarked the insinuation was very close to @ specific charge. On motion of Selectman Beecher the mat
 ter was referred to the town agent. Selectman Feldman reported that some months ago 8 young woman brought an in- fant to Mrs. Hartley's baby farm. After paying for one weeks board she deserted it.
 Harry Elliott, of North Branford, told the
 board that the North Branford road near
 Hemingway's ice pond was in a dangerous
 condition. It was referred to the committee
 on roads and bridges.
 A communication was received from the
 board of public works stating that in grant,
 ing the selectmen an extension of time for
 the grading and eurbing of Ellsworth avenue
 the board hadrexceeded its authority. Clerk
 Clerkin was instructed to draw up petition
 to the Court of Common Council for the de-
 aired extension and to notify the board of
 public works of their appeal to the Common
 Council. E
 The following bills were approved: Outside
 poor $S69.20, roads and bridges $294.85, old
 farm $113.25, general account $13.55, con- struction $50.44, aImshouss $2.457.01.